8 Differences of American Football and Soccer

At least once, you’ve probably wondered about the differences between American football and soccer. Whether you’re a sports fan or just curious, understanding these differences can be fascinating. In most countries, soccer reigns supreme. However, in America, football is the dominant sport.

For those looking to learn about another sport, it’s essential to understand the differences. Here are eight key differences between American football and soccer:

1. Women’s League

The National Football League (NFL) stands as the most prominent and prestigious league in American football. It consists of 32 teams divided into eight divisions and two conferences. The NFL represents the pinnacle of American football, where the best players compete at the highest level.

However, the NFL does not have a women’s league. Women can join high school and collegiate teams, but there is no separate professional league for them. To promote diversity, the NFL mandates teams to hire a female or minority offensive coach.

On the other hand, soccer features a well-established women’s league. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), founded in 2012, includes 12 teams. This league succeeded Women’s Professional Soccer and the Women’s United Soccer Association, reflecting the growing interest in women’s soccer.

2. Endzones vs. Nets

To score in American football, players must get the ball into the opponent’s endzone. Each endzone is 10 yards long and 160 feet wide, contributing to the field’s total length of 120 yards. When a player crosses the endzone with the ball, it counts as a six-point touchdown.

In soccer, players aim to score by kicking the ball into a net. According to FIFA regulations, the goalposts and crossbar must be white and made of wood, metal, or other approved materials. The goalposts should be 8 yards apart, with the crossbar 8 feet from the ground. Additionally, must drape behind the goal without interfering with the goalkeeper.

3. Number of Leagues

American football fans typically follow NFL or the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). While other leagues like the Xtreme Football League (XFL), Alliance of American Football (AAF), and United States Football League (USFL) exist, they don’t rival the NFL’s popularity.

In contrast, Soccer boasts numerous successful leagues worldwide. To name a few, there are English Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Major League Soccer. These leagues compete with each other, unlike the NFL’s dominance in American football.

4. National vs. International Presence

Soccer enjoys global popularity, hence making it easy for fans to watch games regardless of location. Famous leagues like the English Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Major League Soccer are accessible worldwide.

American football, however, is primarily played in the United States. While the NFL hosts a few international games yearly and has programs like the International Player Pathway, it doesn’t have the same global reach as soccer. Understanding the global presence of both American football and soccer highlights the cultural significance and widespread appeal of these two captivating sports.

5. Point Systems

In soccer, a basic goal is worth one point. The total score is simply the number of goals each team scores. Unlike American football, soccer has no other methods to score additional points.

Goals in soccer can come from open play, set pieces like corner kicks and free kicks, and penalty kicks. Teams earn penalty kicks for fouls committed within the penalty area, giving them a direct shot at goal from 12 yards out.

On the other hand, in American football, scoring involves various methods, each with its own point value:

• Touchdown: 6 points
• Field Goal: 3 points
• Two-Point Conversion: 2 points
• Extra Point (Point After Touchdown): 1 point
• Safety: 2 points

Accordingly, teams in American football often employ various strategies to maximize their scoring opportunities. For example, a team might attempt a two-point conversion instead of kicking an extra point if they need additional points to close a score gap. On a fourth down, the decision between attempting a field goal or going for a touchdown can significantly impact the game’s outcome.

Hence, the scoring system in American football allows for dramatic comebacks and strategic plays in the game’s final moments, adding to the sport’s high stakes and thrilling finishes. Both American football and soccer offer unique excitement and strategic depth, but American football may offer more in this regard and this is arguable.

6. Positions

Both American Football and Soccer have eleven players on the field per team, but their positions differ significantly.

In American football, offensive positions include quarterback, running back, fullback, tight end, and various linemen. On the other hand, defensive positions include defensive end, defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.

Soccer positions include goalkeeper, right and left full-back, center back, defensive midfielder, right and left midfielder, center midfielder, center forward, and winger. Each position has specific roles unique to the sport.

7. Game Length

Soccer matches last 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves. Due to the continuous play and extensive running, soccer players typically have greater stamina. To perform at their best throughout the match, it’s crucial for players to fuel their bodies correctly. Before stepping onto the field, it’s important to consider what foods can optimize your performance.

Meanwhile, American football games last 60 minutes, which is divided into four quarters with a lengthy halftime. The average NFL game takes about 3 hours and 12 minutes to complete, much longer than a soccer match.

8. World Cup vs. Super Bowl

The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international soccer. Held every four years, it features teams from around the world competing for the title of world champion. In contrast, the Super Bowl is the championship game of American football’s NFL. It’s almost like a national holiday in the United States, with many people even missing work the next day to celebrate.

However, despite its importance in the U.S., the Super Bowl’s viewership is much smaller than the FIFA World Cup. For example, the 2022 World Cup final attracted over 1.5 billion viewers worldwide, while Super Bowl LVII in 2023 had approximately 123.4 million viewers.

American football and soccer are both captivating sports, each with its unique features. Understanding their differences can deepen appreciation for each game. Whether you’re a football fan learning about soccer or a soccer fan exploring American football, both sports offer something valuable and exciting.

Q&A

Q: What are the main differences between American football and soccer?
A: American football involves carrying the ball and scoring touchdowns, while soccer involves kicking a ball into a goal.

Q: Are there any similarities between football and soccer?
A: Both sports involve two teams trying to score goals, have governing bodies, and are popular worldwide.

Q: Why is soccer called football in some countries?
A: The term “football” describes association football, which is the official name for soccer in many countries outside the U.S.

Q: How many players are on a soccer team?
A: A soccer team typically consists of eleven players on each side.

Q: What is the main objective in American football?
A: In American football, the primary goal is to advance the ball and score touchdowns by entering the opponent’s endzone.

Q: What is the difference between the playing field in soccer and American football?
A: Soccer is played on a rectangular field with goal lines on each end, while American football is played on a rectangular field with endzones at each end.

Q: Can you explain the term “gridiron football”?
A: “Gridiron football” is a term used in the U.S. to refer to American football, distinguishing it from other forms of football like soccer and rugby.